Jobs in Cyber Security: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As hacks and data breaches continue to dominate headlines, it comes as no surprise that cyber security degree programs are so popular. With the allure of fighting on the front lines of cyber-warfare, the information security industry can seem nothing short of glamorous.

So what’s the catch? While cybercrime is very real, the prospective thrills surrounding the prevention of newsworthy data breaches are often overshadowed by reality. As with other jobs, work in the information security industry can be demanding, stressful, and routine.

Ultimately, when making any major choice, it's essential to start with realistic expectations. To help, we’ll review the realities of jobs in Cyber Security: the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Cyber Security Salary, Growth, Demand, and the Power of Choice

Technological advances have made protecting systems against hackers, spyware, and viruses vitally important. Virtually every type of organization has confidential information stored on computer networks—and cyber security professionals work to keep this vast amount of information safe. As the Internet grows, so does cybercrime.

Restrictions and Routine in the Cyber Security Field

Through mass media, cyber security jobs are often romanticized. While high-stake threats do occur, the daily tasks of these professionals are typically less exciting. Job responsibilities may include:

• Planning, implementing, upgrading, and monitoring security measures for the protection of computer networks and information
• Ensuring appropriate security controls are in place to safeguard digital files and electronic infrastructure
• Responding to computer security breaches and viruses

Standard intrusions may include monitoring unauthorized web pages on servers or responding to outbound transmission of compressed files. And as with any job, cyber security workers are often dealt daily, routine administrative tasks.

The Burden of Responsibility

While daily responsibilities are often less than glamorous, it is important to remember that cyber security professionals work in complex, fast-paced work environments, and are often faced with odd hours and overtime. Due to the sensitive nature of their jobs, stress is a primary complaint for many professionals.

Much of this stress is caused by the unpredictable, evolving nature of cybercrime. Cyber security professionals must always consider possible vulnerabilities and monitor systems constantly. While technology has relieved professionals of some responsibilities, it is crucial to remember that humans are often the weakest link; a simple human error can result in an astronomical problem.

While this may seem like an ugly truth of the cyber security industry, going into a new field with a pragmatic understanding of the truth will benefit new employees in the long run. Having realistic expectations can ease stress before, during, and after, if problems should occur.

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Take Action with a Network Security Degree

Interested in working in cyber security? ECPI University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Network Security program. Through our year-round schedule, you could earn your degree in just 2.5 years. You know the realities of the industry—what are you waiting for? It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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